ROSEVILLE (CBS13) – There was a strong show of support at Roseville Galleria on Saturday for a gay couple asked to leave the mall recently because they had been holding hands and kissing.

Hundreds of gay rights activists showed up for the peaceful protest that started with a kiss, but is now gaining national attention.

“We have every right, just as everyone else does, to feel comfortable in our own skin, loving our partners,” said Robert Woodward, who attended the event titled “Love is Love.”

Love is love was the theme for a gathering that started off as a protest.

Shara Murphy, executive director of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center said the goal of the event was “to understand why the community was hurt by their response.”

The LGBT community is now helping the mall move forward after a security guard asked a gay couple to leave for being affectionate

Murphy says she also hopes he mall will “have more training for their employees, to be a better ally in the community.”